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06 February 2017

Fitzgerald Celebrates Work of Local Women’s Groups

Local TD and Tánaiste, Frances Fitzgerald, joined the National Collective of Community Based Women’s Networks on Friday at their national launch event, to recognise and celebrate their challenges and achievements since establishment in 2011. Local women from groups based in Clondalkin including Ronanstown CDP, Rowlagh Women's Group and Clondalkin Women's Network were represented at the event.

Speaking at the event, Fitzgerald said, “I applaud the NCCWN for their dedication and vision, for supporting the empowerment of women and advocating for women who experience disadvantage and marginalisation and for playing their part in bringing about positive and sustainable change to women’s lives and society in general.

“Before entering politics, I participated in organisations promoting the inclusion and increased participation of Irish women in public and community life. This has been a continuous priority for me throughout my career, and I have worked closely with community groups and women’s groups to support their important work.

“The groups here today give a voice to women in their communities; helping to address poverty, social exclusion and gender inequality experienced by women in communities throughout the country. It is great to hear stories of success from women involved locally including in Ronanstown.

“I am pleased today to be officially publishing the Domestic Violence Bill 2017. Tackling domestic violence has been a priority for me throughout my career. It is not acceptable that anyone in Ireland is subjected to abuse, fear and intimidation. Domestic violence is a pernicious evil that has devastating physical, emotional and financial consequences for victims as well as society as a whole.

“This Bill will particularly improve the protections available to victims of domestic violence, most critically for cohabitants and parents in crisis situations, by introducing a new emergency barring order which can last for up to eight working days.

“The enactment of this Bill will be a major step towards Ireland’s ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, more commonly known as the Istanbul Convention.

“This Bill will help in tackling the horror of domestic violence and I intend that it will be enacted as early as possible.

She concluded, “I want to again congratulate all the women here today, and wish them continued success on their work in their communities.”